How to pass your practical test – part one

With the long bank holidays over, you’re probably thinking about your goal of passing your driving test for the summer.

With this in mind, we have decided to put together a series of posts giving you tips about how to complete your manoeuvres in your practical test.

One top tip from one of our driving instructors is this:

“When you have completed a manoeuvre, if the examiner asks if you are happy with where you have finished, take this as a hint that you need to make some adjustments. If an examiner is happy with where you have finished, they’re more likely to simply ask you to move on.” Ask your driving instructor to teach you how to ensure you finish in the correct place and how to make necessary adjustments.

Another tip is the “two second rule”. Observations are key when doing your manoeuvres, so make sure you get this right. Do not look in the same place for too long (no more than two seconds). If you see something coming your way, examiners will be looking at how you react to potential hazards so make sure you react in the safest, most responsible way given the situation.

Photo by meg_williams

When doing an emergency stop, it is important to remain in control. Your reaction must be swift. You should be able to feel the seatbelt working to keep you in your seat; you do not want it to feel like you’re just pulling up. You must make sure you remain in control of the engine and do not stall the car – remember to use the break and clutch properly – don’t panic. One essential point for the emergency stop is the observations before moving on again. If you do not look around to make sure it is safe to move on, you will be penalised.

If you follow these tips and ask your driving instructor for more advice, you’ll be in a better position to pass your driving test.